The Los Angeles Rams have three primary needs on their roster this offseason: Offensive line, edge rusher and inside linebacker. There are, of course, other positions that could use some attention, but those three will get the bulk of the attention – largely because starters at all of those spots are set to hit free agency.
Cory Littleton is among them, and because he’s coming off a career year, his cost is going to be high. If the Rams find out they can’t afford him, another veteran linebacker will be on the market when free agency opens on March 18.
The Eagles are declining their 2020 option on Nigel Bradham, making him a free agent next month. He’ll be 31 years old when the season begins, but Bradham can still contribute as a quality starter at inside linebacker.
He played 12 games with the Eagles last season, recording 61 tackles, one interception, five passes defensed and a 48-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown. He had 287 total tackles the three years prior, earning a grade between 64.7 and 75.5 from Pro Football Focus each season he was with the Eagles.
Bradham isn’t great in coverage like Littleton is, but he does his best work against the run. At 6-foot-2, 241 pounds, he has the size to play inside linebacker in the Rams’ 3-4 scheme, especially on the strong side.
He’s been consistent and reliable throughout his career, too, playing at least 11 games in each season and never posting a year with fewer than 51 tackles. Bradham’s best season came in 2016 when he had 102 tackles (10 for a loss), an interception and two sacks.
Despite his minor struggles last year, Bradham still has the ability to put up numbers similar to those in 2020. And the best part: He’ll be significantly less expensive than Littleton.
His last contract was for $40 million over five years, or $8 million per season. That was two years ago, so there’s almost no chance he’ll top that salary on his next contract. Consequently, he could probably be had for around $5 or $6 million per year, which is a reasonable price for a starting linebacker.
If Littleton returns, Bradham wouldn’t necessarily be an option for the Rams. Sinking that much money into the linebacker position would be bad business. But Bradham should be on the team’s radar in the event that Littleton cashes in somewhere else.
